Originally Posted by lidiagriffin

The whole conversation about subcontracting is is interesting. I would be interested to hear the experiences of VAs (positive and neagtive) of actually being the subcontrator. For example, did you get paid on time, did you enjoy the work, did you learn alot, etc.

I am also finding this conversation very interesting. I have had the pleasure of sort of sub contracting with 2 great VA's and the displeasure of subontracting to another individual.
As a grad from Red Deer College VA Certificate program one requirement is to put in 100 hours practicum with a VA. I worked with 2 seperate VA's to acquire my 100 hours and they were fantastic.
Unfortunately, my experience as a sub contractor with another VA that I found on my own was not as pleasant. After reading everything posted here I realize that a lot of the problem was lack of communication.
If I have learned nothing else it is to ask questions of what the contractor expects of me!

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Helen
H & L Bookkeeping & VA Services

You've all raised some very good points, and timely too. I had a call early this mornining from an event planner who is looking for someone to handle some logistics for her on a specific event. We have had a working relationship in the past but she worked for me in a previous life. Two things from this thread that I will be keeping in mind are 1. She is my client and my reputation and hers are on the line. and 2. Don't overestimate your abilities.

Both points can be minimized by keeping in touch with her, providing updates on where you what has been completed and where you may have difficulty. Follow up on what you have delivered, pros and cons.

We have set up a date to meet and discuss face to face exactly what she is looking for before we go into this agreement but so far things are looking great. In anyone has anything to add, please do, today I could use a little encouragement...

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Bernice
BCI - Your Executive Virtual Assistant

Hi Doreen and everyone,
I really have enjoyed this thread. I am also a subcontractor and I have had some great clients. I really love it and would really like to focus my practice right now to catering just to Lead VAs or being apart of a growing team.

What I have found as a subcontractor is that yes communication is the key. I have had two wonderful clients that communicated with me on a very constant basis and one that communicated with me from time to time.

One of client experienced a decrease in workload and had to drop me. One client that I am still working with communicates with me on a weekly basis. She allows me to do my assigned project with little supervision and she trusts me enough to ask for suggestions and ideas on how to improve the project for her clients. My last client has had a lot of fluctuation in her own practice and her subcontractors have fallen by the wayside, still waiting for payment.

I am currently trying to pick up new clients and my question is: How can I, as a subcontractor, help you regain your confidence and trust in delegating some of your work? I am eager to learn new skills and take on new projects but I am finding that due to bad experiences in the past some VAs are hesitant to take on a new team member. What can I do to help you and your practice?

Thanks again Doreen for starting this thread. The advice and insight here has been incredible. Communication and trust are key factors to all working relationships but there is a kinship that is formed within a good VA team.

Have a great day,
Renee

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Have a great day,
Renee Zeliff, High Desert Business Solutions, Helping Business Dreams Become Reality!

Oh, please don't think that all subcontract VA's work in this manner.

I'm a VA who seeks out subcontract work, I also work a full time job - so when I'm talking to a potential lead VA I mention that right upfront so they are aware i'm available evenings and weekends to do any work assigned to me. I'm very upfront about my skill level, if there is an assignment they would like me to do that I am not familiar with I let them know, then I do everything I can to learn that new skill in order to be able to assist the next time.

I'm constantly asking questions regarding the assignment in order to clarify as contact is mainly via email, if I run into a problem I immediately let them know.

I've signed contracts with these lead VA's and I take my assignments very seriously - this is my business, a start-up yes, but my business none the less and I've chosen to work as a VA who subs out to others. The Lead VA’s that I work with all operate differently and I adapt to them, I’m paid at the end of the assignment and if there is a problem with my work I want to know so I can learn from that and not make the same mistake(s) again.

I may be speaking out of turn but my sincere apologies to you Doreen, and everyone else who has been burned by a sub on behalf of all of the VA subs who do take our work seriously.

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Joanne Matheson
a VA 4 VAs

I have heard similar stories from business owners I have approached to work for them. The first thing I hear I their "horror" story of the administrative assistant they hired full-time who called in sick or just off work a lot. One business owner actually paid an admin for one week's work when she only showed up to work two days and didn't work a full eight hours either day. So, I've had to start reassuring them that I am a professional and they will not get a similar experience from me!!

I am looking for subcontracting work to help me get started. I certainly intent to treat the hiring VA like my client and get the work done correctly and on time!!

Janet

Yes, it is very unfortunate that you had three bad lemons ... it is always a shame when someone ruins it for those who are dedicated and responsible.

I am also looking to do some subcontracting work and hopefully one day I will be able to be subbing the work out.

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Robin
Virtually Robin

This thread has been immensely helpful to me as I begin seeking out subcontract work this summer. I really appreciate the detail so many of you have given in explaining the specific challenges that lead VAs often face. (You've given me a lot of ideas for things I can do to pro-actively make life easier for a lead VA.) I'll admit it was a little surprising to see how common it is to find a "bad lemon"!

Any more advice for subcontractors about how not to go about finding work?